Pneumatic tester for engine oil pumps

Abstract

A pneumatic apparatus to test an engine oil pump of the type designed to be driven by an end of the engine crankshaft. On a test stand, the pump is rotated by a driving mechanism while airflow is generated by the pump itself or while pressurized air is introduced. Air flow characteristics are measured and analyzed to determine acceptability of the pump.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. Apparatus for testing an engine oil pump having a generally planar surface, an inlet, and an outlet, comprising: table means defining a substantially horizontal surface for supporting the planar surface of the pump; means to selectively engage the pump and exert a clamping force thereon for securing the pump upon the support table; a fitting for selectively mating with the pump inlet; source means for pressurized air connected to said pump to selectively induce an air flow in the pump; means for measuring air flows to and from the pump whereby characteristics of the flow are indicative of pump conditions. 
     
     
       2. Apparatus for testing an engine oil pump of the type having a generally planar surface, an inlet, an outlet, and an opening normally adapted for receiving the end of an engine's crankshaft for rotating the pump, a pneumatic testing apparatus, comprising: generally horizontal table means to support the planar surface of the pump thereon; selective clamping means for securing the pump at a desirable location upon the table; source means for pressurized air connected to said pump to selectively induce an air flow in the pump including fitting means mating with the pump's inlet and outlet; means to measure air flows to and from the pump whereby flow characteristics are indicative of pump condition. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus set forth in claim 2 further comprising a driving mechanism including a shaft extending through the opening in the pump for producing rotative operation of the pump simulating the pump's operation when attached to an operative engine. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus set forth on claim 3 further comprising: an air receiving exhaust connected to the pump's inlet; the source of pressurized air connected to the pump's outlet; a flowmeter device upstream of the pump's outlet to measure air flow into the pump through its outlet. 
     
     
       5. An apparatus for pneumatic testing an engine oil pump of the type having a generally planar surface, an inlet, an outlet, a pressure relief valve mechanism upstream of the pump outlet, and an opening normally adapted for receiving the end of an engine's crankshaft for rotating the pump, a pneumatic testing apparatus, comprising: generally horizontal table means to support the planar surface of the pump thereon; selective clamping means for securing the pump at a desirable location upon the table; first air flow means for connection with the inlet of said pump and second air flow means for connection with the outlet of said pump; source means for pressurized air selectively connected to said pump's outlet through said second air flow means to induce an air flow into the pump and in opposition to the normal flow direction past said pressure relief valve; an air receiving exhaust selectively connected to the pump's inlet through said first air flow means; flowmeter means between the air pressure source and the pump's outlet to measure air flows to the pump whereby flow characteristics are indicative of pump and relief valve condition.